Ohio Teacher of Year runs preschool, mentors teens

Debra McDonald of Wadsworth teaches at the Wayne County Schools Career Center.

The Associated Press

The Ohio Teacher of the Year is a northeast Ohio woman who teaches about child education and care and runs a preschool where her high school students get practical experience.

State Superintendent Richard Ross announced the honor for Debra McDonald on Wednesday at Wayne County Schools Career Center in Smithville. Ross says McDonald is simultaneously helping two generations of students — the youngsters who get high-quality early learning, and the older students who get hands-on experience.

The state says the 19-year teaching veteran is a leader in an educator mentorship program and served on an advisory panel for developing the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System. She lives in Wadsworth, roughly 35 miles south of Cleveland.

A statewide panel reviews nominations to select Ohio's top teacher each year.